JENNIE I CALLAHAN (STAPLES)

   Jennie I. (Staples) Callahan, 76, of Thompson Rd., and formerly of Auburn, died at home Wednesday January 23rd, surrounded by her loving family.

   She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, William J. "Bill" Callahan in 1994. She leaves her two sons, James W. Callahan and his wife Pamela of Webster, and Michael M. Callahan and his wife Theresa of Auburn; her three beloved sisters, Betty Mason of Rockland, ME, Esther Noel of Auburn, and Diana Schofield and her husband Forrest of Spencer; her four grandchildren, Michael J. Callahan and his wife Shelby Saad-Callahan of Ashland, Neil W. Callahan of Webster, Kristy A. Callahan and William R. Callahan, both of Auburn; as well as several nieces and nephews.

   Jennie was born in Rockland, ME, daughter of the late Ralph C. and Alice E. (Robbins) Staples, where she was a child star of dance and acrobatics at the young age of 5. Little Jennie and her family dazzled all parts of Maine, under her parents' guidance, until her family moved to Worcester. She later graduated from Worcester schools.

   Following her marriage to her beloved William in 1949, Jennie spent the remainder of her life as a devoted wife and mother. She later went to work for the C.C. Lowell Company in Worcester for 25 years, where she met many local artists. She then worked in the cafeteria of the Mary D. Stone School in Auburn for 10 years before retiring. There she delighted in her interactions with the young children. She loved to play pitch, travel, and enjoyed crafts, being accomplished in crocheting and knitting. Jennie never lost her joy for dancing, and loved to go dancing with her husband Bill. The main focus of her life was simply being with her family and friends. She was always happy to be in the company of family and friends for any occasion, and her true legacy is the way she made them feel loved and accepted. She will be greatly missed.

   Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, January 27th from 2-5 PM in the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central St., Auburn. Her funeral will be held on Monday, January 28th from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 AM in Saint Joseph's Church, 189 Oxford St., Auburn. Committal prayers will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.